atoned for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "atoned for" is correct and can be used in written English.
The phrase "atoned for" means to make amends or to make up for a mistake or wrongdoing. Here are a few examples of how it can be used in a sentence: 1. He atoned for his mistakes by working extra hard and completing all his tasks on time. 2. The company is taking measures to atone for their past unethical practices by implementing stricter guidelines. 3. The criminal spent years in prison, trying to atone for his actions and seeking forgiveness from the victims' families. 4. As a way to atone for his disrespectful behavior, he volunteered to help with the cleanup after the event. 5. The celebrity made a public apology to atone for their offensive remarks on social media. 6. The team's loss in the playoffs was a bitter disappointment, but they hope to atone for it next season. 7. The community service project was a way for the students to atone for their mischief and give back to the community.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Religion

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Still, the food nearly atoned for the service gaffes.

The New York Times

It's time they were remembered and past sins atoned for.

The Guardian

It was the only error Zuccarello made, and he atoned for it with his shootout goal.

The New York Times - Sports

Then there are South Korean accusations that Japan has not properly atoned for its wartime crimes.

The Economist

Since the Israelites atoned for their idolatry, God rewarded them with a second set of tablets.

Independent

The army corps has atoned for its sins with a $14.5bn makeover.

The Guardian

From the resulting corner, Chiellini almost atoned for his slip but headed narrowly over the bar.

The Guardian - Sport

Ihedigbo atoned for his penalty with a key fumble recovery on a punt.

The New York Times - Sports

That was the score when, with 14 18 left to play, Davis atoned for his fumble.

The New York Times - Sports

And in his writing, he atoned for what he saw as his sins as a candidate.

The New York Times

Hooper at least atoned for his earlier profligacy by setting up Celtic's second goal.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "atoned for", ensure the context clearly indicates what action or error is being compensated for. The phrase works best when followed by a specific detail of the wrongdoing or a clear indication of the attempt to make amends.

Common error

Avoid using "atoned for" without clearly specifying what is being atoned for. This can lead to confusion and weaken the impact of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "atoned for" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the completion of an action to make amends or compensate for a wrong. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Sports

10%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "atoned for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that signifies making amends or compensating for a past wrong. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous real-world examples across various contexts, including news, sports, and academia. While the phrase is versatile, it's important to provide clear context about what is being atoned for to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases, such as "made amends for" or "compensated for", can offer similar meanings with subtle differences in nuance. Remember that "atoned for" is generally considered neutral and can be used in any context. The frequency analysis indicates that the phrase is commonly found in authoritative news sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

made amends for

Focuses on the act of repairing a relationship or situation after a wrong.

compensated for

Highlights providing something, often monetary, to offset a loss or harm.

made up for

Emphasizes balancing a negative action with a positive one.

expiated

Suggests a more formal or religious act of atonement.

remedied

Implies correcting or fixing a mistake or deficiency.

paid the price for

Focuses on suffering consequences as a form of atonement.

rectified

Highlights making something right or correcting an error.

redressed

Indicates setting right what was wrong, often in a formal context.

made reparation for

Emphasizes repairing damage or loss through specific actions.

settled for

Suggests accepting a compromise or outcome to resolve a wrong.

FAQs

How can I use "atoned for" in a sentence?

Use "atoned for" to indicate that someone has made amends or compensated for a past wrong. For example, "He atoned for his mistakes by working harder."

What are some alternatives to "atoned for"?

Alternatives include "made amends for", "compensated for", or "made up for". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "atone for" or "atoned for"?

"Atone for" is the infinitive form, while "atoned for" is the past tense. Use "atoned for" when referring to a completed action of making amends.

What's the difference between "atoned for" and "compensated for"?

"Atoned for" often implies a moral or ethical wrong that needs to be righted, while "compensated for" suggests providing something to offset a loss or damage. The nuance lies in the nature of the action and the type of amends made.